Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private William Coalman, 40th Regiment, who was severely wounded and had a leg amputated at the battle of Maharajpoor, 29 December 1843

Candahar Ghuznee Cabul 1842, unnamed as issued, original steel clip and bar suspension; Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Private William Coalman H.M. 40th Regt.) original brass hook suspension, good very fine (2) £800-£1,000

This lot is to be sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals, the Property of a Lady.

View
Collection

William Coalman was born in the Parish of Yeatsbury, near Colne, Wiltshire, and was attested for the 40th Regiment at Bath on 24 December 1838, aged 22 years. He proceeded to India on 22 April 1839, serving there for 1 year 101 days and subsequently in Lower and Upper Scinde, Baluchistan & Affghanistan 3 years 61 days. He participated in the First Afghan war and was present at Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul during 1842, and at the battle of Maharajpoor on 29 December 1843. He was severely wounded at the latter battle as detailed in the Surgeon’s report shortly afterwards: ‘Private William Coalman wounded in action with the enemy on the 29th December 1843 by a grape shot causing compound fracture of the thigh bone - leg amputated - unfit for further service.’ Following a further examination by the Principal Medical Officer at Chatham on 27 July 1844, Coalman was discharged on 13 August 1844, in consequence of ‘Disability’, his character and conduct described thus, ‘he has never been tried by a Court Martial & that his conduct has been Very Good. Granted a Medal inscribed “Candahar”, “Ghuznee”, “Cabul” 1842 for 2nd Affghan Campaign. Wounded at the Battle of Maharajpoor, in the State of Scindiah, 29th December 1843.’

Sold with copied attestation and discharge papers.